Home Stay with Host Families
The Study Abroad department works with a number of host families who, for years, have welcomed international students into their homes. These families are committed to enriching the study abroad experience for these students while always coming away with positive, fulfilling experiences of their own. Most of our host families are French-speaking, although some are Dutch-speaking. All have a good command of the English language and are able to communicate effectively with students who have no knowledge of French or Dutch.
If you opt for this type of housing, your stay with your host family will begin as soon as you arrive in Brussels. The cost for this type of housing is currently at 525€ per month and is subject to cost-of-living increases.
Services included are:
- Bed and breakfast, 7 days a week
- Dinner, 5 days a week (weekdays)
- Use of bathroom/shower
- Use of kitchen when no meals are provided
- Use of telephone in case of emergencies
Some families may include extra services that are not overseen by Vesalius College, such as laundry facilities, internet access, outings, etc. These may be included in the monthly fee or may be offered at an extra charge, depending on the individual host.
It is evident that this type of accommodation provides the student with a unique experience that allows for insight into the everyday life of a Belgian family, Belgian culture, and social norms. Students acquire this knowledge and other valuable elements by living the life of a “native”, sharing daily conversations at the dinner table and by taking part in the daily life of their host families without necessarily having to limit their individual freedom (as long as house rules are respected, of course).
Students who opt for home stay accommodations must remember that they will be welcomed as guests in the homes of our host families for the semester they will be residing in Brussels. There are certain codes of conduct and courtesy that are expected on the part of the student as well as on the part of the host family. Upon arrival in Brussels, all students opting for home stay accommodations will be required to sign a contract outlining the internal regulations and responsibilities of the home stay program. You may view this contract by clicking here.
If you wish to stay with a host family, please fill in the Host Family Request Form and return it to Martine Delsemme.
